A Modular Synth Techno Rack based on DIY Kits
Clearly making techno! That’s how I got into the world of modular synthesizers. With my DIY drum machine I have laid the foundations. Now I want to make music!
Sound
This is the kind of music that I am envisioning:
Setup
I’m creating a mobile rack to play live. And because I can (and because it’s fun), I’m building it based on DIY kits.
According to the video “How to make a TINY live techno modular synth in only 62HP” by Mylar Melodies, you need: drums, bass, lead (e.g. chords) and freaky noises.
Following that approach, I’m adding what is missing and replacing what needs to be improved. Step by step.
| Component | Implementation |
|---|---|
| ✅ Case and power supply | Case II 0.1 PSU & Distro Board 0.1 |
| ✅ Clock & Divider | BPM Generator 20..2400 BPM with dividers (Haralds:Werk) |
| ✅ Rhythm / beat patterns | LL8 (Robaux) Knight’s Gallop (Shakmat Modular) |
| ✅ Kick drum | Kickall (Befaco) |
| ✅ Snare / clap | Envelope generator: VCEG Noise: From the ADDAC215 Dual S&H+ (ADDAC System) Filter: BF-22 (Befaco) |
| ✅ Hats | Voice: Hatz V2 (Patching Panda) Mixer: Mixer II |
| ✅ Sequencer | Popcorn v1.1 (Bastl Instruments) |
| ✅ Sample and hold | ADDAC215 Dual S&H+ (ADDAC System) |
| ✅ Bass | Envelope generator: VCEG Voice: 3080 VCO (PM Foundations) Filter: BF-22 (Befaco) |
| ✅ Lead | Envelope generator: VCEG Voice: Chord Organ (Music Thing Modular) Filter: VCF |
| ✅ Reverb | Spring Reverb (Music Thing Modular) |
| ✅ Mixer & VCAs | Voltage controlled Mixer-VCA (Haralds:Werk) |
Note: This setup is not carved in stone, but in a fluid state 🌈
Result
By the beginning of February 2022, I called the project finished 🎉 and happily started recording next level tracks.
